For my last post of the summer, I want to highlight a few of the numerous reasons that I enjoy being a part of the team at Bilzin Sumberg. First and foremost, the people at the firm are some of the greatest and brightest professionals, who are motivated to excel but still make time to help others excel too. Additionally, Bilzin Sumberg is a mid-sized firm; therefore, we can work on an assortment of cases and have access to copious resources, while still enjoying a culture where each person is valued and respected. The assignments may be challenging, but being able to work through the task, learn from others, and grow as a professional is tremendously rewarding. I am motivated to come to work every day because it is a chance to work with remarkable talent, learn something new, and gain personal and professional gratification.

Undeniably, the life of a summer associate is varied enough that it’s tough to describe a “typical” day. Nevertheless, I will attempt to do so. As they say, individual results may vary:

• 8:30 am: Check emails, organize my to-do list, and update supervisors I am working with on the progress of assignments. Mitch Widom brings in Bagel Emporium so we zip towards the kitchen and catch up with coworkers.
• 9:30 am: Work on a summary judgment motion for our government relations practice group. I review and analyze all of the documents in preparation for my case-strategy meeting with the partner.
• 12:00 pm: Attend lunch with my mentor Yasmin Fernandez-Acuña and fellow summer associate Brianna Sainte. We walk across the street to the wonderful Edge. We end up ordering off the breakfast menu and also sharing buttermilk pancakes, which I highly recommend. (Yasmin has been an amazing mentor throughout the summer and I cannot thank her enough!)
• 1:15 pm: Dive into an assignment for a litigation partner that Brianna Sainte and I work on together. As part of my research, I have two meetings: one with Brianna and one with a litigation associate who has worked on a similar project. The associate gives me useful advice on things I should be thinking about as I develop my project.
• 3:30 pm: Meet with a partner who focuses on business finance and restructuring. He gives me feedback on a memo I completed involving a pending bankruptcy case. After discussing the memo, he lets me sit in on a client meeting involving the case.
• 5:15 pm: Sara Herald hosts a happy hour in the office in honor of the July Fourth holiday. She serves red, white, and blue drinks and snacks. Beyond encouraging continuous learning, Bilzin Sumberg promotes an enjoyable work environment.
• 6:30 pm: Update supervisors on assignments, check emails, log my billable hours for the day, and wish everyone a happy Fourth of July!